Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson expressed confidence in Marineland’s proposal to transfer 34 marine mammals to U.S. aquariums, indicating a high likelihood of relocating belugas and dolphins from the closed amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. However, animal advocates have raised concerns about the conditional approval granted by Ottawa for the animals’ relocation, fearing potential breeding and performance exploitation in their new environments.
The plan includes moving 30 belugas and four dolphins to accredited facilities renowned for their animal welfare standards, as stated by Thompson in an interview with CBC News. The potential recipients of these animals are Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and a SeaWorld branch, all recognized by Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Two key conditions outlined by Thompson for Marineland to secure export approval involve health assessments by accredited veterinarians and a comprehensive transportation plan, with ongoing health support required at the receiving sites. Once these conditions are met, Thompson believes the plan will significantly improve the animals’ living conditions.
Since 2019, twenty whales – one orca and 19 belugas – have died at Marineland, leading to its closure in late 2024 amid widespread controversy over the treatment and performances involving its animals. A federal law passed in 2019 prohibits breeding or using whales, dolphins, and porpoises for entertainment, requiring a special permit for their export under specific circumstances deemed beneficial for the animals.
As the government considers granting export permits to Marineland, Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of Animal Justice, emphasizes the importance of prohibiting performances and breeding in the marine mammals’ new homes. While there were hopes of sending the belugas to a proposed sanctuary in Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia, the project’s progress has been slow, leaving the U.S. aquariums as potential destinations.
Former Marineland trainer Kristy Burgess supports the relocation plan, highlighting the superior facilities in the U.S. and expressing confidence in the protection measures enforced by the fisheries minister. Burgess believes that sending the mammals to the U.S. offers the best chance for their well-being, given Marineland’s ultimatum to euthanize the animals if relocation efforts fail by a set deadline.
In light of the evolving situation, the welfare and future of the belugas and dolphins remain a subject of scrutiny and concern among activists and stakeholders.